Efficient System of Cracking-Detection Algorithms with 1-mm 3D-Surface Models and Performance Measures

The paper proposes an interactive algorithm for a three-dimensional (3D) surface that can substantially improve its cracking detection performance by adjustments based on the observer’s feedback. Since the correct response to the observer’s feedback is critical to the performance of an interactive algorithm, the paper presents a series of novel methodologies to accomplish the interaction between the detection system and the observer with a high level of success. A computer program is developed to establish the interactive detection system and implement two levels of detection. The bottom level is automated and can be used to find the majority of cracking. The top level is assisted by the users and can be applied for semi-automated refinement. In particular, the top level is designated to find missed cracks or delete noises within user-defined regions. The techniques of precision recall and confusion matrix are used to determine effectiveness of the developed system of algorithms. The results from the case study on a highly cracked pavement segment indicate that the automated level of the proposed interactive system can achieve high detection accuracy with appropriate training, and the assisted level can retrieve nearly all cracks missed by the automated level and delete almost all noises from the processing using the automated level.